A Scottish Government fund aimed at boosting the attainment levels of the most deprived pupils is set to pay out £7.5 million to schools across Edinburgh next year. More than 2,300 schools across Scotland are set to benefit from the funding – including 122 across Edinburgh. The significant investment gives money directly to headteachers, allowing them to spend the money on local initiatives that will close the poverty-related attainment gap. Commenting, SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands said: “The SNP has made closing the attainment gap our priority in this parliament – and the latest investment of £7.5 million in our schools and our children across Edinburgh is a key part of that. “Every chil
Over 5 million now registered across Scotland – near double 2007 levels. SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald has welcomed the latest figures that have shown NHS dentist registrations on the rise once again – with 785,433 people now registered across NHS Lothians and over 5 million registered across the country. The national figure has nearly doubled since the SNP came to power in 2007 – after the previous Labour/Lib Dem administration oversaw a decline in registrations from just over 2.7 million in 2000 to just over 2.5 million in 2007, including over 40,000 fewer children registered. The percentage of adults registered with a dentist in the Lothians has gone up from 89 % to over 90% during the last ye
SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald is calling on constituents in Edinburgh Pentlands to contribute to the Scottish Government’s new consultation looking at the causes of social isolation and loneliness and how they can be addressed. The consultation will run until 30 April and will thereafter feed into a new national strategy, one of the first in the world, to tackle loneliness and isolation. A national strategy to combat loneliness was a key ask of the Jo Cox Commission, which welcomed this announcement. Views are also being sought on how communities can build on the work of the Scottish Government, and lead on ensuring those at risk of becoming lonely or isolated have access to the right support ne
Latest figures from the Scottish Government have revealed that the transformative Baby Box policy has already benefitted 3,834 newborns across NHS Lothian since they were introduced last year – and over 22,000 across Scotland. The Baby Box is a key part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to making Scotland the very best place in the world to grow up – and contains important items for parents and babies alike, such as baby clothes, a digital ear thermometer, a bath towel, a changing mat and books. The box itself also doubles as a bed for a newborn, containing a mattress, mattress protector and fitted sheet – providing a safe and warm place for babies to sleep. Commenting, SNP MSP for Edi
SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald has urged all eligible adults in Edinburgh Pentlands to take up the offer of a free flu vaccination. Everyone aged 65 and over, pregnant women and people at most risk of serious illness are offered the flu vaccination on the NHS. Flu rates in Scotland doubled in December with the most recent figures from Health Protection Scotland showing around 46 Scots in every 100,000 were suffering from the virus, comparing to 22 in every 100,000 for the same week in 2016. Commenting, SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald said, “It’s not too late to get the flu jab – and if you’re eligible for vaccination on the NHS it’s important that you take that offer. “Cases of flu were at double the rat
The number of gym goers using City of Edinburgh council-owned fitness facilities has increased by 40% since 2007, new Freedom of Information data reveals. There has been an overall 36% increase in the numbers using public fitness facilities since the 2014 Commonwealth Games, according to membership figures provided by gym providers across 22 Scottish local authorities. Commenting, Gordon Macdonald, SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands said: “It is fantastic that Edinburgh Leisure has seen a 40% increase in its membership since 2007 and a 10% increase since we hosted the 2014 Commonwealth Games. “This rise in gym goers in Edinburgh is testament to the SNP Government’s commitment to investing at a
